INVESTMENT

Canada Life Investments has launched five risk-rated multi-asset portfolios for the UK retail market.

The funds will invest globally across asset classes, allocating predominantly to in-house funds, but using passive vehicles where an internal fund is not available. The funds will be managed by David Marchant.

Asset allocation will be determined by Distribution Technology’s risk profiles, with the portfolios aimed at medium to high-risk investors rated between 3 and 7.

MORTGAGES

Post Office has launched a range of new mortgage deals it including its 1.88% two-year fixed rate mortgage at 75% LTV (£1,495 fee) and a 2.28% two-year fixed rate deal at 80% LTV (£1,495 fee).

Other changes include a rate reduction on its two-year fixed rate mortgage at 90% LTV (£1,495 fee) for FTBs, along with two new additions to its 90% LTV range.

CREDIT CARDS AND LOANS

Santander has launched a personal loan at 4.6% APR. The loan is available directly through Santander or www.moneysupermarket.com only. The loan is only available for 5 more days.

SAVINGS

Shawbrook bank has launched a new 1 year fixed rate bond at a rate of 1.95% Gross/AER.

Savers can invest any amount from £5,000 to a maximum of £2m with the interest paid either gross or net according to an individual’s tax status on 31 December each year and on maturity.

The bond is available online through Shawbrook’s new eSavings internet banking, via phone and postal application.

Premier Oil has issued a new 7 year bond paying 5% per year.

The offer is the first of various possible future issues under Premier’s £500 million Euro Medium Term Note Programme, which was established on 18 November 2013.

Morgan Stanley has launched the first Morgan Stanley FTSE^TM Gilt-Backed Growth Plan (the “Plan”) since June 2012.

The Plan is collateralised with UK government bonds in order to reduce counterparty risk. It has a series of kick-out dates starting from the 2nd anniversary of the Plan. If on any of the kick out dates or the plan end date the closing level of the FTSE^TM 100 Index is at or above its initial level, the Plan will mature and investors will receive a fixed return of 7% multiplied by the number of years that have passed since the Plan start date.

UTILITIES

Co-operative Energy has launched a new fixed-price plan – the Co-operative Fixed March 2015 tariff. This makes it the cheapest fixed price plan on the market costing consumers £1,168 a year, making it £224 a year cheaper than the average ‘Big 6’ standard plan.